Epidemiology of risk factors for osteoarthritis: systemic factors

Osteoarthritis (OA) appears to be a mechanically driven but chemically medi ated disease process in which there is attempted (or aberrant) repair. Well established risk factors for OA include aging, obesity, gender, and, in se lected subgroups, congenital anomalies, This review addresses less well est ablished risk factors for OA that can impact joints through their effect on systemic metabolism rather than their contribution to local joint geometry and structure. These systemic risk factors include obesity; bone and bone density; nutrients, particularly those that function as antioxidants; and g enetic factors. There is great opportunity for new prevention and intervent ion strategies as we expand our understanding of the role of these systemic risk factors. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.